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Tactics of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis for intracellular survival in mononuclear phagocytes
Seng Ryong Woo1, Charles J Czuprynski
1Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Abstract:
Johne's disease is a condition that refers to chronic granulomatous enteritis in ruminants. It is believed that survival and replication of Mycobacterium (M.) paratuberculosis in mononuclear phagocytes plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Johne's disease. However, it is not clear how M. paratuberculosis survives for long time periods in mononuclear phagocytes, nor is it clear which factors trigger multiplication of these bacilli and result in the development of Johne's disease. Investigating the intracellular fate of M. paratuberculosis is challenging because of its very slow growth (more than two months to form visible colonies on media). Existing animal models also have limitations. Despite those obstacles, there has been progress in understanding the intracellular survival tactics of M. paratuberculosis and the host response against them. In this review, we compare known aspects of the intracellular survival tactics of M. paratuberculosis with those of other mycobacterial species, and consider possible mycobactericidal mechanisms of mononuclear phagocytes.
Insights
Mycobacterium paratuberculosis survives within ruminant immune cells, causing Johne's disease. This review explores its intracellular tactics and host defenses, comparing it with other mycobacteria.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Johne's disease is chronic enteritis in ruminants caused by Mycobacterium paratuberculosis.
- M. paratuberculosis survival and replication in mononuclear phagocytes are key to disease pathogenesis.
- Mechanisms of M. paratuberculosis intracellular persistence and host-triggered multiplication remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare intracellular survival strategies of M. paratuberculosis with other mycobacteria.
- To explore host immune responses and potential mycobactericidal mechanisms against M. paratuberculosis.
- To address challenges in studying M. paratuberculosis due to slow growth and model limitations.
Main Methods:
- Comparative review of intracellular survival tactics.
- Analysis of host-pathogen interactions in mononuclear phagocytes.
- Discussion of mycobactericidal mechanisms.
Main Results:
- M. paratuberculosis employs specific tactics for long-term survival within host immune cells.
- Understanding these tactics is crucial for explaining Johne's disease development.
- Host immune responses and mycobactericidal mechanisms are being elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Further research into M. paratuberculosis intracellular behavior is essential.
- Comparative analysis with other mycobacteria offers insights into pathogenesis.
- Identifying host defense mechanisms could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for Johne's disease.
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